SIAYA, Kenya- Siaya Governor and senior Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) member James Orengo has positioned ODM as the “big brother” to President William Ruto’s UDA ahead of critical coalition negotiations, amid rising factionalism following the death of ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Orengo warned that aligning ODM with UDA could shrink the party into a regional entity, undermining Raila’s vision of a national movement.
“What Raila did, out of the realisation that a regional party could not answer the demands of Kenyans, was to strive to build a national party, which is ODM. I see an attempt to try and drive ODM to become a regional party. If we choose to work with UDA, ODM will most likely become a small party,” he said.
James Orengo: What Raila did, out of the realisation that a regional party could not answer the demands of Kenyans, was to strive to build a national party, which is ODM.I see an attempt to try and drive ODM to become a regional party.If we choose to work with UDA, ODM will
The governor noted that party members from other regions have remained largely silent amid the ongoing “civil war within the party,” stressing the urgency of consolidating ODM nationally before entering coalition talks.
“We have about 12 or 10 months which we can spend on building ODM as a national party, and thereafter, talk about coalitions,” Orengo added.
Highlighting ODM’s strength in any negotiations, he declared, “ODM still remains the biggest party in Kenya. When talking to UDA, we are the big brothers in the room. And that must be taken into consideration.”
Orengo reaffirmed his loyalty to the party, saying, “My Party is ODM and I intend to remain a member of ODM.”
On his claims about people planning to sell ODM ahead of 2027.James Orengo: For the moment, they remain unnamed. There are people who are going out of their way to try to get ODM into agreements that do not make sense.#OrengosBroadRevelations #NTVTonight @david_muthoka7
He also clarified his approach to State House, noting that he goes there to ensure fairness and equity, not to seek favors.
“I do not go to State House to beg; I go there on the basis that the Constitution requires equity and fairness in the operations of the national government,” he said.
With ODM facing internal divisions and debates over whether to join UDA, align with the Rigathi Gachagua-led opposition, or go it alone, Orengo’s remarks underline the party’s determination to maintain its national stature and influence ahead of coalition discussions.
